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Webinar Archives

AOPA Webinars

AOPA regularly hosts webinars on a wide variety of aviation-related topics. Browse the selections below to access topics from aircraft purchasing to airman certification, from flying club topics to international flying.

July 1, 8 PM EDT

Fun Fly-In Destinations in Canada

Join AOPA staff, along with John and George Kounis, of Pilot Getaways magazine, to explore the beauty and adventure of flying in Canada. The webinar begins with an overview of what's needed for the pilot, passengers, and aircraft to prepare for the flight, but the focus is on sharing some fantastic places to visit. Discover exciting fly-in destinations from Canada's beautiful eastern provinces, through its vast interior, and way out west to its stunning mountains. Just a short flight north for many who live in the United States, Canada offers spectacular, unspoiled natural beauty, fishing, and hunting, as well as many cultural activities and historic sights.

June 17, 8 PM EDT

Flight Planning: Using Future Flight Service Today

Sometimes it’s difficult to make that “go/no go” flight decision – you just wish you had more information. Actually, you have more resources than you probably realize! Find out from the experts, themselves – Lockheed Martin – responsible for Flight Service and DUATS II for the FAA. Join AOPA as our guest presenter, Joe Daniele, a general aviation pilot and Lockheed Martin Sr. Engineer, shares the capabilities of some of the tools available to pilots at www.1800wxbrief.com. Even the most seasoned airmen are likely to benefit from Lockheed Martin’s Pilot Web, which provides direct access to weather briefing, flight planning, and flight plan filing information. And, it’s free to pilots. This webinar will begin with the basics of Registration, Logging In, and Filing a Flight Plan; then dig deeper into Flight Plan Briefing and Advanced Flight Planning Tools. It’s interactive, so you can provide your questions during the live event and Lockheed Martin’s staff will be on hand to answer. If you use Flight Service, you won’t want to miss this!

April 15, 8 PM ET

Aircraft Refurbishing

Much can be done to bring new life to a timeworn airplane as AOPA is quickly discovering with the 150 and 152Reimagined Aircraft project. The “new” aircraft are both beautiful and affordable! Find out what might be involved in making your own old bird like new, again. Tom Haines and Dave Hirschman share the experience and expertise they’ve gained from multiple aircraft overhauls, rebuilds, upgrades, and refurbishments. They cover what makes some airplanes better candidates than others, where and how to start, what jobs to tackle, and how to find resources that fit your project.

Brought to you by AOPA Insurance Services and AOPA Aviation Finance Company, LLC.

November 5, 2014 8 PM ET

Flying to the Bahamas

As winter settles in across most of the United States, the islands of the Bahamas remain warm and sunny. Are they calling to you? Hear the ins and outs of flying in the Bahamas from an expert who flies there often: Rick Gardner, Director of Caribbean Sky Tours and AOPA's representative for the Bahamas. Joining Rick is Craig Brown, Senior Aviation Technical Specialist in AOPA's Pilot Information Center who talks with members often about international flying. Learn about preflight preparation, crossing the ADIZ, clearing customs in the Bahamas, island hopping, and returning to the U.S.

September 17, 2014 8 PM ET

How Healthy Do You Have To Be To Fly?

Most of us want to be healthy and know that eating right and staying active help keep us that way. However, life has its inevitable ups and downs and we deal with the resulting stresses.Our blood pressure rises; difficulties may bring anxiety and depression. And our eyes! Some of us go from nearsightedness to cataracts; others deal with glaucoma. How healthy do we have to be to obtain and keep a regular issuance airman medical certificate? Join Gary Crump, Director, AOPA Medical Certification Services for insights and answers to these questions and more.

Aircraft Purchasing

Thinking of buying an aircraft? What kind of flying do you plan to do? Which aircraft is the right choice for you? It's a big decision and it's best to be well informed before you buy. Join Tom Haines, AOPA Sr. Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, AOPA Pilot, along with Rodney Martz, Sr. Aviation Technical Specialist, AOPA Pilot Information Center for a discussion on pre-purchase considerations, financing options, types of insurance, title searches, escrow services and much more.

Brought to you by AOPA Insurance Services and AOPA Aviation Finance Company, LLC.

July 16, 2014 8 PM ET

Unravelling the Mystery of Flying Club Paperwork (including tax information)

As we talk with flying club enthusiasts around the country, the one question we hear repeatedly is, "Can we get some guidance on filling out the paperwork required to set up a club?" This webinar has been organized to answer that question. Ray Speciale, AOPA Counsel and CPA, and also a pilot, himself, will discuss organizational forms such as the 501c3, as well as others. You will have the opportunity to ask questions via text. We look forward to your participation.

June 24, 2014 8 PM ET

Flight School Business: Understanding the Real Power of Marketing

When done correctly, marketing is the intentional operation of your business to deliver the right message to the right market. Sending the right message is important, but it can be complicated. It's easy to unintentionally send messages to your customers that work against your goals. Marketing is a strength of San Carlos Flight Center, AOPA’s 2013 Best Flight School award winner. Join owner Dan Dyer and marketing manager Terry Fiala as they share feedback and tips on what type of marketing has been successful for their operation.

As part of AOPA’s initiative to increase the number of certificate completions, a series of Flight School Business webinars for flight training providers have been scheduled throughout the year. These webinars are aimed at helping flight schools enhance the value they bring to the flight training experience. Recordings of previous Flight School Business webinars can be viewed here.

June 18, 2014: 8 PM ET

The Evolution of Special Issuances

Gary Crump, Medical Certification Director of AOPA and Warren Silberman, D.O., AOPA's PPS Aeromedical Consultant will go over the origins of the FAA Special Issuance Authorization, AME Assisted Authorization for Special Issuances (AASI) and the new Conditions that AME's Can Issue (CACI). You will learn what conditions are allowed in each of these FAA initiatives, changes that are coming with these programs, and how the programs function.

Datalink: Cockpit Weather Do's and Don'ts

April 15, 2014: 8 pm ET

Attracting and Retaining Instructors in a Competitive Environment

Finding and retaining flight instructors in the modern aviation training market can be difficult, but with a few tips, your business can more successfully attract qualified instructors and keep them for longer periods of time than your competition.

The webinar will discuss current flight instructor supply trends within the aviation industry, how to best attract instructors, and how to keep them.

March 27, 2014: 8 pm ET

How To Start a Flying Club

If you, or pilots you know, are thinking of starting a flying club, AOPA can help take much of the guess work out of the daunting process. In AOPA's new online publication, “AOPA’s Guide to Starting a Flying Club,” the most important aspects to consider when bringing a club from inception to full operation are identified.

Join Woody Cahall, AOPA Vice President, Flight Operations, as he discusses the flying club start-up process step-by-step, using the guidelines outlined in the new publication. Topics include: Organizing your club, building a budget, choosing the right aircraft, buying insurance, marketing tips to attract the members you desire, as well as a collection of sample documents, forms, and other useful resources, like sample operating rules and aircraft lease agreements.

March 26, 2014: 8 pm ET

Drinking and Driving: How It Affects your Flying

Join Kathleen A. Yodice for this exclusive webinar – only for AOPA Pilot Protection Services participants.This webinar will help you understand what you must do to satisfy the FAA if you are stopped by law enforcement for a suspected DUI, so that an unnecessary enforcement action is avoided. Also, we will help you understand what you must provide in response to an FAA letter asking for more information about the DUI stop as it relates to your medical qualifications. In this webinar, we will explore:

The reporting responsibilities a pilot faces after being stopped for a DUI

How a DUI stop should be handled on your next and future medical application process forms

How to avoid reporting mistakes that could lead to FAA enforcement action

How your qualifications to hold a medical certificate may be impacted

The AOPA Pilot Protection Services program, which includes the valuable AOPA Legal Services Plan and Medical Certificate Assistance, can make a huge difference in protecting your pilot and medical certificates should you ever
face an FAA enforcement or investigation.

February 25, 2014: 8 PM ET

Why YOU Need Social Media to Promote Your Flight School

AOPA's eNewsletter and Social Media Director, Benet Wilson, will help you create the perfect social media plan, share key ways to use social media to bring in students and provide tips and tricks for using social media effectively.

February 4, 2014: 7 PM ET

Flight Services on Steroids

Over the past 4 years, Lockheed Martin has been listening to pilots, investing in Flight Services-specific research and development, and rapidly modernizing Flight Services with new safety, efficiency and convenience-oriented capabilities. This webinar will provide an overview of those capabilities, including flight plan-specific adverse condition alerting, surveillance-enhanced Search and Rescue, activating and closing VFR flight plans from a hyperlink in an email, dramatically improved online briefings, data link applications and others. We’ll also let you know what’s coming next.

January 15, 2014 8 PM ET

Flight Operations in the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean

The warm breezes and sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea have a strong allure in January! Ever think of flying south for a winter getaway? Learn tips on trip planning and hear the latest information on flight operations in The Bahamas, Mexico, and The Islands of the Caribbean. Join Rick Gardner, Director of Aviation Services, Caribbean Sky Tours and AOPA's Regional Representative south of the border; and Woody Cahall, Vice President, AOPA Pilot Information Center as they discuss flight operations in these delightful destinations.

December 12, 2013: 8 pm ET

Aerobatic Flying

Join Patty Wagstaff, six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, and Dave Hirschman, Senior Editor, AOPA Pilot as they discuss aerobatic flying. They will share some of their own experiences, describe a few aerobatic maneuvers, talk about what's involved in aerobatic training and give tips on how to get started. Several kinds of aerobatic flying will be discussed: from its value to everyday general aviation flying to competitions and airshows.

November 18, 2013: 8 pm ET

The Importance of Avoiding Falsification

Join Kathleen A. Yodice, Esq., Law Offices of Yodice Associates as she discusses in-depth the repercussions of providing incorrect information on FAA forms, and how failing to keep up-to-date logbooks or recording inaccurate or incomplete logbook information (even if by mistake) can lead to a lot of trouble with the FAA.

November 13, 2013: 8 pm ET

Employee vs. 1099

Aviation businesses don't have discretion when determining whether workers are employees or independent contractors. There are a variety of federal and state laws establishing tests and criteria for making that determination. Getting the classification wrong can be costly. This webinar will provide a general overview of the laws and tests that are used to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. Join us for this free webinar on Wednesday, November 13 at 8:00 PM ET with guest presenter, Ray Speciale, a pilot, lawyer and CPA.

November 7, 2013: 7 pm ET

Airframe Ice: Avoidance and Escape

Whether you're new to flying or a seasoned aviator, join AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg and Pat Murphy from NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. ET for an engaging discussion about practical steps that can be taken to identify, plan for, and escape the deadly hazards of airframe icing.

October 30, 2013 : 8pm ET

Fly, Don't Die!

Diligent pilots passionately pursue information to prevent accidents: recurrent training, seminars, courses and reading matter are all consumed to avoid becoming a statistic. Statistically, however, catastrophic engine failure, flight into terrain or foul weather will likely not end your days, yet most pilots are oblivious to other threats to mortality. Aimed at the average AOPA member, this webinar will provide substantive news-you-can-use to defeat heart disease, stroke, cancer and many other ogres. So join AOPA's medical counsel, Dr. Jonathan Sackier at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 30 for some lifesaving information.

October 29, 2013 : 8pm ET

Avionics Upgrades for the Long Haul

Upgrading your panel can be one of an aircraft owner’s most expensive undertakings. Getting it right is imperative—from a cost and safety standpoint. Join AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines, who has managed many panel upgrades on AOPA sweepstakes airplanes, and Lancaster Avionics owner Todd Adams for insights on how to plan and execute your panel project. Learn why installing just a new audio panel alone may be the least cost-effective thing you can do; and how to maximize your avionics dollars.

October 29, 2013 : 8pm ET

Avionics Upgrades for the Long Haul

Upgrading your panel can be one of an aircraft owner’s most expensive undertakings. Getting it right is imperative—from a cost and safety standpoint. Join AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines, who has managed many panel upgrades on AOPA sweepstakes airplanes, and Lancaster Avionics owner Todd Adams for insights on how to plan and execute your panel project. Learn why installing just a new audio panel alone may be the least cost-effective thing you can do; and how to maximize your avionics dollars.

October 24, 2013 : 8pm ET

Operating Rules for Flying Clubs

At the heart of every successful flying club lies a good set of operating rules for its members. They will usually document the club's rules for aircraft scheduling, requirements for member currency and proficiency, and how to handle situations like fueling, bad weather and unplanned maintenance events. This webinar will be presented by David St George, Manager and Chief Instructor with the award-winning East Hill Flying Club in Ithaca, NY. Whether a new club just getting started, or a mature club looking to improve, David aims to guide you through the process of creating an outstanding set of operating rules for your club.

September 25, 2013 : 8pm ET

Government Searches of Aircraft-The Latest Developments

This is a follow-up on July's PPS webinar, "What We Know and Don't Know about Government Searches of Aircraft." Hear about recent developments regarding inspections of general aviation pilots and aircraft by federal and local government agencies (not the FAA), and get an understanding of what to do if you are stopped. Participants in AOPA's Pilot Protection Services (PPS) have priority admission to this webinar. AOPA members who have not yet joined PPS may also register to attend, space permitting. To ensure your seat, join PPS now.

September 24, 2013 : 8pm ET

Let's Talk Leasebacks

Yodice Associates aviation attorney, Talbot Martin, will discuss lease / rental agreements. Talbot will share his experience on key items to consider when deciding between lease and own, making a mutually beneficial agreement, and what “gotchas” to look out for.

September 19, 2013 : 8pm ET

Tailwheel Flying

Join Dave Hirschman, Senior Editor, AOPA Pilot and Adam Smith, Senior Vice President, AOPA Center to Advance the Pilot Community as they share helpful advice for learning to love flying tailwheel aircraft. They will discuss techniques, training tips, and give a little historical background that will help pilots make friends with some of the most exciting – but most imposing – general aviation airplanes in the fleet. They will cover three-point landings, wheel landings, crosswinds and short fields among other topics. Adam owns a Cessna 180. Dave is a CFII and has taught in tailwheel airplanes including Cubs, Decathlons, Pitts S-2s, Huskys, Stearmans, and T-6s.

September 18, 2013 : 8pm ET

Aircraft Owner's Insurance: A Crash Course in Protecting your Plane

It has been said the only thing harder than choosing the right aircraft insurance is understanding aircraft insurance at all. Between exclusions, deductibles, limits and underwriters, there is a veritable jungle of jargon. To help you cut through the confusion, we provide answers to everything you never wanted to ask about aircraft insurance, but need to know.

September 17, 2013 : 8pm ET

How to Build Community in your Flying Club

Steve Blonstein, General Manager of the West Valley Flying Club, will discuss how the club keeps members engaged. The club uses unique events like the California passport program, Women of West Valley, and social events to build a vibrant club community.

August 28, 2013 : 8pm ET

Matters of the Heart

Join Dr. Warren Silberman, Former Manager, FAA Aerospace Medical Certification and Gary Crump, Director, AOPA Medical Certification as they discuss less common cardiac conditions that may require time-limited medical certificates. These include atrial fibrillation, PVCs (“skipped beats,”) heart murmurs, as well as some common types of “abnormal” heart rhythms that, although they are labeled as “abnormal,” generally require no detailed follow up by the FAA. *

*Must be a member of AOPA's Pilot Protection Services program to attend.

August 27, 2013 : 8pm ET

Flying Club Marketing

Join Steve Hedges, AOPA Director of Communications, as he discusses flying club Marketing techniques. Steve will provide an overview of the best marketing techniques for flying clubs, and answer some of the top questions AOPA receives on the topic.

August 20, 2013 : 8pm ET

Flight School Finances: Blue skies or smoking hole?

Find out where your money is really going. Discover your hidden opportunities. Identify loss and new growth in this webinar hosted by The Center to Advance the Pilot Community and Flight School Business.

August 8, 2013 : 8pm ET

Will You Pass Your Airman Medical Exam?

Learn how your health history affects your medical certificate

Do you want to fly - or get back flying after a lengthy time grounded - but wonder if your health history will prevent you from obtaining an airman medical certificate? AOPA has answers for you! Join Gary Crump, Director, Airman Medical Certification as he discusses disqualifying medical conditions, as well as those conditions that may qualify for a special issuance medical certificate. You may be surprised to learn that many pilots have been issued a special issuance medical certificate after recovering from a serious medical condition.

July 16, 2013 : 8pm ET

Flying Club Accounting

Join Ray Speciale, CPA and aviation attorney, as he discusses flying club accounting practices. Ray will provide an overview of the best accounting practices for flying clubs, and answer some of the top questions AOPA receives on the topic.

June 26, 2013 : 8pm ET

Flying Club Insurance

Find out the top 10 factors that influence flying club insurance. Both established clubs and new clubs will benefit from the discussion on how to work with your underwriter toward better coverage and premiums. Presenter: Kathy McNeil, AOPA insurance account manager

June 20, 2013 : 8pm ET

For your iPad, Introducing AOPA FlyQ EFB

The iPad has changed the way you fly. AOPA's new iPad app, FlyQ EFB, will change the way you fly with your iPad. This all-new app combines familiarity and simplicity with powerful features such as split-screen, 3D synthetic, and free ADS-B weather to make your flying safer and easier. This webinar shows you all the basics of using FlyQ EFB and demonstrates many of the ways it's different from other apps you may have used. Presenter: Steve Podradchik, Seattle Avionics Host: Andrew Ross

June 19, 2013 : 8pm ET

Aircraft Maintenance: Keeping the Cost Down

Join two of the aviation experts from AOPA's Pilot Information Center for tips on what you can do to reduce the wear and tear on your aircraft, as well as cost-saving maintenance that you can do yourself. Presenter: Craig Brown, A & P, ATP, and CFI, AOPA Senior Aviation Technical Specialist Host: Rodney Martz, AOPA Senior Aviation Technical Specialist

June 18, 2013 : 8pm ET

Flight School Business Webinar: Making the Most of your CFI Team

Join Greg Brown as he shares tips on working together as a flight training team to ensure great customer service and student success. Presenter: Greg Brown, author of The Savvy CFI and writer of AOPA Flight Training's "Flying Carpet" column.

June 13, 2013 : 8pm ET

Thunderstorm Avoidance: ATC, Datalink, and You

An engaging discussion on the deadly hazards posed by thunderstorms, and how in-cockpit weather tools and ATC can help you avoid them. You'll learn important facts about the limitations of ATC weather radar, datalink weather, and common (and dangerous) assumptions pilots and controllers sometimes make. Presenters: AOPA Foundation president Bruce Landsberg, and air traffic controller (Boise Tower) Andy Marosvari.

April 4, 2013: 8pm ET

Nontowered Airport Operations: A Refresher

Brush up on nontowered airport operations in a webinar from AOPA and the Air Safety Institute. Topics include VFR operations, the role of unicom, right of way, training at busy airports, IFR operations in VMC and IMC, opening and closing IFR flight plans, and more.

April 3, 2013: 8pm ET

Purchasing an Aircraft

If you are considering an aircraft purchase, you'll want to join Tom Haines, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, AOPA Pilot, and Rodney Martz, AOPA Senior Aviation Technical Specialist as they discuss what's involved in making the big decision. Hear about what to consider when choosing your aircraft, the red-flag conditions you want to avoid, how to get insurance and financing, the steps in the sales process, and how to estimate your monthly ownership expenses.